One of the first steps that we took in our study was to research related topics and similar experiments. This background information has helped the Advanced Biology class to narrow its focus and to formulate a hypothesis. 

Related information outside of our website:

• Dorms facilitate the spread of disease
• Infection control in nurseries
• You've got what? Disease Information
• Hand washing study in England
• Hand washing study in the US
• Hand washing study in elementary schools

Low outdoor air temperatures do not cause illness, however they can make the human body more volatile to diseases and viruses. Because time frame for the study is the transition period between fall and winter monitoring the daily air temperatures is a critical factor. It is a possibility that trends could be identified between the weather and student well-being.

Below is a graph of outdoor air temperatures in Durham NH as observed by the University of New Hampshire Weather Station. Detailed information for each date including Air Temperature, Wind Chill, Photosynthetically Active Radiation, and Precipitation can also be accessed.